Staff Reporter :
BNP’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, strongly condemned and protested the disrespectful behaviour directed towards Asif Nazrul, the Law Adviser of the interim government, by ‘fascists’ on foreign soil.
In a statement issued on Friday, Rahman described the incident as a grave attack on the dignity of Bangladesh and its people, calling it an unexpected and significant blow to the country’s standing on the international stage.
“This unethical behaviour towards an adviser of the government of Bangladesh, on foreign soil, is not only shocking but also a serious affront to the nation’s dignity,” the statement read.
Rahman characterised the incident as a reflection of the “ferocious face of fascism,” which, he claimed, continues to manifest in various forms both at home and abroad.
Asif Nazrul was reportedly subjected to rude behaviour by some Awami League activists at Geneva Airport in Switzerland on Thursday, as he was en route to France.
Sources indicated that the Swiss Awami League President, Nazrul Islam Jamadar, and General Secretary, Shyamal Khan, were present at the scene and involved in the incident.
Rahman accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of engaging in international conspiracies that complicate Bangladesh’s political situation.
He alleged that Awami League supporters abroad were involved in organised efforts to undermine democratic voices and create tension within the country.
The BNP leader also criticised the long-standing history of Awami League activists assaulting advocates and activists for democracy and human rights.
He suggested this behaviour was a continuation of the government’s 16-year autocratic rule, marked by human rights violations, curbs on freedom of expression, and misappropriation of public resources.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called for legal action against those responsible for the misbehaviour towards Law Adviser Asif Nazrul at Geneva Airport.
In a statement issued on Friday, Jamaat’s Secretary General, Golam Parwar, condemned the incident, describing the ill-mannered behaviour as not only undesirable but also a serious blow to the country’s dignity.
The Bangladesh Judicial Service Association (BJSA) also expressed outrage and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.
The BJSA stated in a press release that the treatment of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser, Dr Asif Nazrul, at Geneva Airport was completely unacceptable.